The Pey-Berland tower, this iconic and independent bell tower of Saint-André cathedral is on the initiative of Archbishop Pey Berland, but did you know that it had much more than just a bell tower function? Today we lift the veil on its incredible history.
Say, tell me the story of the Pey-Berland tower
Pey Berland laid the first stone in 1440, as evidenced by an inscription engraved on the north of the tower. Originally, dear readers, the building was designed to accommodate large bells, because, you see, if they had been kept in the cathedral, they would have threatened the structure because of their weight. But the history of this building well known to the Girondins has given it many functions, other than that of a simple bell tower.
First of all, it serves as a dwelling: can you imagine yourself renting an apartment in the tower? Yes, the view would be wonderful every morning, we grant you that. Damaged by a storm around 1667, it was sold during the Revolution and transformed into a lead shot factory. Here is another story! In 1851, Cardinal Donnet bought the tower, had it restored and finally installed bells there. Finally, you will tell us.
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©P. Muller ![]()
©P. Berthe
The Gothic-style tower has blind walls at its base, except for a pointed arch opening pierced in the 6th century to introduce the new bells. At its summit springs the spire surmounted by the statue of Our Lady of Aquitaine, a monumental work in gilded copper, 1863 meters high and weighing more than a ton, yes ladies and gentlemen. Made by the Parisian master goldsmith Jean-Alexandre Chertier in 2002, it was restored in XNUMX. Turned towards the Médoc, it looks at the hamlet of Saint-Raphaël, in Avensan, where Pey Berland was born. From Bordeaux to Avensan, there is only one step, therefore. The Virgin carries on one side the Child Jesus who caresses a dove and on the other, holds a fleur-de-lis. What symbols!
Inside, the bell tower is made up of four levels, served by a single staircase of 233 steps.
233 steps to the happiness of admiring a unique view of Bordeaux , so let's get motivated! But let's stop at the bell chamber, on the second level: it contains the oak belfry which supports four monumental bells. They ring on the fly thanks to an electric motor controlled from the cathedral.
A first drone, the aptly named Ferdinand-André I, received as godfather the Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Eugénie. The class. Too heavy and cracked, he was replaced by Ferdinand André II, the current bumblebee, who weighs 8 tons with his sheep and measures 2,32 meters in diameter! It rings for religious festivals and major events in the life of the Church. The second bell, Marie II, weighs “only” 4 tonnes for 2 m in diameter. The 1,90-kilogram little Clémence rings the Angelus.
From the top of its 66 meters, the Pey-Berland tower, offers a striking view of the city of Bordeaux with its two terraces. The first, 40 meters high, allows you to admire the main monuments and districts of Bordeaux. A feast for the eyes and budding photographers!
The Pey Berland tower,
Bordeaux
Classified Historic Monument, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.
To see and do near the Pey-Berland Tower
Palais Rohan"
On Place Pey-Berland, sits the Palais Rohan. This former Archbishop's Palace, built at the end of the XNUMXth century, took on multiple functions during the Revolution, such as having been the home of the young painter
Eugène Delacroix, before becoming the Bordeaux City Hall. Its neo-classical and sober facade contrasts with
the interior, decorated with antique Renaissance decorations, typical of the atmosphere of Borough bourgeois interiors
deadlines of the time. The garden, at the back, is extended by two pavilions which house the Museum of Fine Arts of
Maroon.
